INDUSTRY INSIGHT: 
One of the greatest appeals of staying at a legendary hotel is the presence of glamour and history that can be felt in each room and every nook. The Beverly Hilton is no exception to this notion, even though the 53-year-old hotel boasts many up-to-date luxurious hotel amenities for the ultra-modern visitor. The lobby is expansive and spacious with specialty boutiques, a lounge serving Starbucks coffee and large couches perfect for web-browsing and people-watching. But descend one floor, and you’ll immediately feel a different sense of welcome. The dimly lit floor houses some truly impressive Hollywood paraphernalia, retro furniture, and most importantly, the great Beverly Hills institution of Trader Vic’s. This interesting juxtaposition of modern luxury and old-time class may be the most lingering impression of a potential experience at The Beverly Hilton.
Initially built by Conrad Hilton in 1955 as a flagship hotel, the Hilton has exchanged hands twice since then. It was owned by entertainment magnate Merv Griffin from 1987 until 2003, when Beny Alagem and Oasis West Realty LLC bought it and gave the hotel an $80 million face lift. As the gateway hotel of Beverly Hills, it’s not surprising that most of its 569 guest rooms and 101 suites are usually reserved. On any given day, you can see European tourists, business executives, entertainment heavyweights, and perhaps a royal family or two.
Of course, only the elite will find their way up to one of the nine private Penthouse suites. Stays at any of these suites guarantees impeccable service: A personal assistant is assigned to the guest throughout their stay from the moment they arrive, with the presumption that anything these guests desire, naturally, is theirs. Each suite comes with all the trimmings, but those that stay in the Presidential Suite are treated to an extra perk of showering and bathing with water that streams out of an 18-karat gold showerhead. It’s no wonder movie stars (especially during awards season) and royal families will often rent out the entire floor of suites for themselves and their entourage.
Part of the fun of staying at The Beverly Hilton is the idea of being present with celebrities of both yesteryear and today. As home to the Golden Globe Awards and many other star-studded events, the Hilton gives its hotel guests, especially those with balconies overlooking the entrance, a prime view of the red carpet. The famous International Ballroom isn’t reserved just for Hollywood celebrities however. Corporate planners with a conference or dinner to organize can hold their event in the ballroom or one of many other meeting rooms.
Trader Vic's
Though many developments have swept through The Beverly Hilton in recent years, the most notable being Trader Vic’s poolside location change, there might be more in store for the hotel and the City of Beverly Hills. The owners introduced a plan earlier this year to renovate the Hilton and add a high-rise Waldorf-Astoria hotel and condominium complex to the property. In response, Beverly Hills residents who are fighting the development have successfully placed legislation in the upcoming November referendum. If the project is approved, residents and visitors can expect a $500 million revitalization project to begin. And since another word for revitalization is “construction”, I advise on making your way to The Beverly Hilton before it embarks on its next reincarnation.
The Beverly Hilton
9876 Wilshire Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310.274.7777
CSQ Contact: Ms. Dee Doak dee.doak@hilton.com
310.285.1379
beverlyhilton.com
